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Series of tremors near Tehran renews concerns over major quake risk
TL;DR
Nine small earthquakes struck near Tehran, raising fears of a major quake. The tremors occurred close to the Mosha fault, a significant seismic zone near the capital.
Key points
- Nine small earthquakes struck the Pardis area east of Tehran.
- The tremors renewed fears of a major seismic disaster in the capital.
- The earthquakes occurred near the Mosha fault, a significant seismic zone.
Mentioned in this story
TehranPardis
Mosha fault
A series of nine small earthquakes struck the Pardis area east of Tehran overnight, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported on Wednesday, renewing fears among experts and residents that the Iranian capital could face a major seismic disaster.
The repeated activity has revived concerns that accumulated tectonic pressure beneath and around the capital, which lies close to several active fault lines, could at some point in the future trigger a much larger earthquake.
While tremors in the area are frequent, it is far less common for several to occur in succession.
The tremors, recorded over a single night in eastern Tehran province, were felt in an area close to the Mosha fault, one of Iran’s most active seismic zones.
The fault, about 150km (93 miles) in length, is one of the major active faults of the country, located approximately 40km (25 miles) from the capital.
No casualties or damage
State media reported that the magnitude of one of the earthquakes was 4.6, but the mild seismic activity did not cause casualties or material damage.
Semi-official Mehr news agency quoted seismologist Mehdi Zare as saying it was not clear whether the tremors represented a release of built-up seismic energy that would reduce future risk or instead were warning signs of stronger future activity along the fault system near Tehran.
Zare warned that Tehran’s vulnerability is amplified not only by active fault lines but also by dense urban development, population concentration and limited preparedness.
He said even relatively small earthquakes can cause disruption in the capital due to fragile infrastructure and congestion, complicating emergency response.
Tehran, a metropolitan area of more than 14 million people, lies near major active faults, including the North Tehran, Mosha and Rey.
Iranian experts have repeatedly warned that a major earthquake near Tehran could have catastrophic consequences.
Iran is among the world’s most quake-prone countries, and memories remain vivid of the 2003 Bam earthquake, which killed more than 30,000 people.
Q&A
What caused the recent earthquakes near Tehran?
The recent earthquakes were caused by accumulated tectonic pressure beneath and around Tehran, which lies near several active fault lines.
How close is the Mosha fault to Tehran?
The Mosha fault is located approximately 40km (25 miles) from Tehran.
What are the implications of the earthquakes for Tehran residents?
The series of earthquakes has renewed fears among residents and experts that Tehran could face a major seismic disaster in the future.
